PARISH BULLETIN – Ascension of the Lord – 16th May 2021
SUNDAY MASSES
VIGIL MASS
St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 5 pm
Holy Rosary, Draperstown: 6.15 pm [webcam]
St. Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY
St. Columba’s, Straw: 9 am
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm: 10 am [webcam]
St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns: 11 am
Holy Rosary, Draperstown: 12 noon [webcam]
DAILY MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
Holy Rosary Church: Monday and Wednesday ~ 11 am. Friday ~ 7.30 pm.
St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning ~ 11 am.
All Masses in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm are transmitted live via the Desertmartin parish webcam:
https://www.churchservices.tv/Desertmartin
All Masses in the Holy Rosary Church are transmitted live on the Ballinascreen parish webcam:
https://www.churchservices.tv/Draperstown
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Fr. Peter Madden P.P. V.F.
31 Sixtowns Road, Draperstown
Phone: 028 7962 8376
Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Fr. Dermot McGirr C.C.
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 028 7963 2196
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
Fr. John Downey C.C.
36 Moneyneena Road
Telephone: 028 7962 8375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
____________________________________________________________
DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Please remember in your prayers:
Bridget McKenna, Carnamoney; Keith Fee, Monaghan; John Flood, Derry and Joe Rogers, Sixtowns Road who were buried during the week.
Billy McLaughlin, Bridget Gordon, Les McKeown, Lorna Wilson and Meta Quinn who died recently.
Irene Mulholland and Bonnie McSorley whose Month’s Minds occur at this time
Malachy O’Brien, Susan Toner, Margaret Walls, Rose Fee, Frances Corry and Keith Houston whose anniversaries occur at this time.
____________________________________________________________
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Michael Peter McCaffrey, 58 Knocknagin Road.
THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week:
Sunday Collection/Priests’ Collection envelopes: £929.00.
Restoration Fund envelopes: £182.00.
Those who contribute with a church collection envelope, you are welcome to return them at any parish Mass or Holy Week Ceremony or put them through the Parochial House letterbox.
Many thanks to all who have dropped in parish envelopes, established standing orders, have made online payments or used the ‘Donate’ button on the Parish Website. Your generosity is vital to the parish and is appreciated very, very much.
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
If you would like to make a donation, please put it in an envelope marked ‘St. Vincent de Paul’ and put the envelope through the letterbox at the Parochial House. Thank you.
TRÓCAIRE DONATIONS
The total amount that parishioners have donated by envelope to Trócaire is £2,580.00. Thank you for your generous contributions in these times to the Trócaire Lenten Appeal.
CONFIRMATION 2021
Confirmation Ceremonies will take place on the following dates in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm (webcam):
Saturday 12th June at 11 am ~ Knocknagin P.S.
Saturday 19th June at 11 am ~ St. Columb’s, P.S., Cullion
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021
First Holy Communion Masses will take place on the following dates in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm (webcam):
Sunday 13th June at 2 pm ~ St. Columb’s, P.S., Cullion
Sunday 20th June at 2 pm ~ Knocknagin P.S.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS
If parishioners in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen wish to have their loved one prayed for at the 11 am Mass in Coolcalm or the 7.30 pm Mass in Holy Rosary on Friday, phone the Desertmartin Parish Office answering machine on 028 7939 7047 or email desertmartinparish@gmail.com by 12 noon on Thursday of the relevant week. These Masses from Coolcalm and the Holy Rosary may be viewed on the respective Parish webcams.
For Coolcalm go to www.desertmartinparish.com and click on the blue webcam button.
For Holy Rosary, go to www.parishofballinascreen.com and click on the word ‘webcams’ in yellow.
COOLCALM AND KEENAUGHT OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm, will be open for private prayer and to light candles this week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm.
St. Patrick’s, Keenaught, will be open for private prayer and to light candles this week on Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm.
Please, you must wear a face covering while entering and leaving the church. Also, please use hand sanitiser at the door. When you call into the church please pick up a coloured card at the door on the way to your seat. When you have finished praying please leave the card behind on your seat. That seat will be cleaned later in the day. Do not sit on a seat where a card has been left behind. Thank you.
NUMBERS ATTENDING SUNDAY MASSES IN KEENAUGHT AND COOLCALM
Having reflected on the numbers attending weekend Masses in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin, it has been decided that anyone may attend Sunday Mass in the following churches, regardless of where they live in the parish: St. Columba’s, Straw; St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena; St. Patrick’s, Keenaught and Holy Rosary, Draperstown. There are plenty of spaces available at the moment and when the number of spaces have been allocated before Mass begins, the doors will close.
Because of their relative size and the larger numbers attending St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns and St. Mary’s, Coolcalm, it is not possible to open these churches for Sunday Mass except on a townland area basis. So, the 2-week townland area rota will continue in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm for Sunday Masses.
CELEBRATING PENTECOST – RECEIVE! BELIEVE! LIVE!
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on 23rd May, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre has created a variety of resources, including prayers, reflections and craft activities, suitable for use in parishes, at home and in schools. These resources are available online at https://catecheticalcentre.org/category/celebrating-the-feast-of-pentecost/
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Kilcronaghan Centre Annual Plant Sale on Friday 21st May at 6.30 pm. Perennials, Annuals and Shrubs all available at reasonable prices. This will be an outside event. A one-way queuing system will be in place, with gates opening to the sale at 6.30 pm. For more information, follow Kilcronaghan on facebook or ring 028 7962 7826.
CELEBRATING MARY IN MAY
May is a very special month for the Church as we remember Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. A full month is given over to Mary and during this month we are encouraged to honour Mary in different ways. To help parishes, families and schools to do this, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre has created a number of resources including prayers, Gospel reflections, colouring and craft activities, examples of May Altars and ideas on how to pray the Rosary. These resources are available online at catecheticalcentre.org/category/celebrating-mary-in-the-month-of-may-2021/
POPE FRANCIS ~ MAY 2021
In response to the Holy Father’s wish, May will be dedicated to a ‘marathon’ of prayer, to ask for an end to the Covid pandemic, and to ask for the resumption of social and work activities. Pope Francis wishes to involve Shrines around the world in this initiative so 30 representative Shrines, have been chosen to lead the Marian prayer during one day of the month.
Together with the Rosary, each day there will be a prayer intention for the various categories of people most affected by the pandemic: for those who have not been able to say goodbye to their loved ones, for all health care personnel, for the poor, the homeless and those in economic difficulty and for all the deceased.
The initiative is being conducted in the light of the biblical expression: ‘Prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God’ (Acts 12:5).
The Holy Father will open and close this prayer marathon, along with the faithful around the world, from two locations within the Vatican City State. On 1st May, he will pray at an icon of Our Lady of Succor, venerated in a fresco above the altar of Saint Leo in the Basilica. On 31st May he will conclude this prayer marathon from the Vatican Gardens and will bless special Rosaries which will be sent to the 30 Shrines that were directly involved.
MARIAN PILGRIMAGES
Marian Pilgrimages has released its pilgrimage schedule for 2021 and 2022 to Lourdes, Medjugorje, Fatima, Italy and the Holy Land. For more information or to register your interest, please visit www.marian.ie or ring Marian Pilgrimages on 00353 1 878 8159.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
Life in the Spirit Seminar in Omagh continues for 3 more weeks in conjunction with 7.30 pm Holy Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. Please join at 7.30 pm each Thursday via the Drumragh parish webcam: http://www.drumraghparish.com/webcam.html
20th May: ‘Baptism in the Spirit’ – Fr. Eddie Magee; 27th May: ‘Growth’ – Fr. Colum Curry; 3rd June: ‘Transformation’ – Fr. Kevin Mc Elhennon. ‘Let him who is thirsty come; let him who desires, take the water of life without price’ Rev. 22:17. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people.
SYNODAL ASSEMBLY MESSAGE FROM BISHOP McKEOWN
The Irish Bishops have decided to initiate a process in the Irish Church, leading to a Synodal Assembly in perhaps five years. The Bishops’ Conference plans the next two years as a period of prayer, listening and discernment, involving a nationwide consultative conversation on this theme. Following this, there will be a three-year preparation for a National Synodal Assembly. Before embarking on the Synodal Pathway consultation, bishops are inviting submissions to reflect on what methods/models to adopt in these coming two years of conversations. Individual and groups are invited to submit ideas as to: how the national conversation might best be conducted, and what hard-to-reach groups need to be involved. For further information on making a submission, go to www.catholicbishops.ie/synod . Please note that submissions are sought by 23rd May and can be made directly online through that website.
DIOCESE OF DERRY ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY – INVITATION TO RESPOND
The Diocese of Derry has launched a consultative plan about climate change and the environment and is inviting everyone within the Diocese to read, engage and respond to it. The plan identifies actions and behaviours that support rather than destroy the environment. The suggestions cover such areas as land, buildings, energy, food, travel and waste. A draft of the Environmental Strategy has been posted on the Derry Diocesan website, to view and/or download: https://www.derrydiocese.org/diocese/environmental-strategy. Every attempt has been made to make the Strategy both comprehensive and practical so as to suit each parish’s particular situation. In order to ensure that it is as helpful as possible to your various parish communities however, we would appreciate any constructive feedback on it that you may have to give. We ask if you could:
– Read the draft Strategy document and give feedback on aspects that you feel could be supplemented/improved.
– Begin to implement any aspect(s) of it that you feel can be put into practice quickly and easily.
– Draw the attention of both parish groups and individual parishioners to the Strategy and encourage them to give feedback. (This would be especially relevant to schools and any groups/individuals with particular interest in environmental issues).
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday 31st May. Submit your comments, questions and suggestions to Patricia McCormack by:
Email: laudatosiderry@gmail.com
Telephone/text: 077 1190 0420
Facebook: Laudatosiderry
RADIO MARIA IRELAND
Based at St. Anthony’s Business Park, Ballymount Road, Dublin 22, is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station with commercial-free broadcasting of Prayer, Catechesis, Music, Talks, Interviews and Testimonies. If you are not already a follower of the station, Radio Maria Ireland encourage you to join their growing faith family. You can tune in to the station in a variety of ways:
Digital TV – Freeview TV (Channel number varies per location in N.I.)
Download FREE App ‘RADIO MARIA IRELAND’
Streaming on website, www.radiomarie.ie (subscribe and donate here also)
‘Listen Live Radio’ link on Facebook Page. (Like, Share and Follow us on Facebook)
Phone – get live radio feed by calling 00353 1 437 3277 (no extra charges apply).
Prayer and song requests welcome. ‘A Catholic voice in your home’. Fr. Eamonn McCarthy is Director.
MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This is a post graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. The next intake will be Autumn 2021. An information session via ZOOM will be held on Monday 7th June at 3.30 pm. If you are interested in attending this session or require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
St. Angela’s College, Sligo, is offering this online part-time MA, starting in September 2021. The closing date for receipt of applications is 16th June. Please visit www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie or contact Mary Kearns on 00353 71 919 5550. Email: mkearns@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
THE NET – MAY 2021
Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese. With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, the May edition of ‘The Net’ will only be available on the Diocesan website –
https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/the-net-may-2021
However, the publication will be available again in parishes when the restrictions are lifted.
For coverage of faith stories just email editorthenet15@gmail.com.
Coverage in this month’s edition includes:
*Derry Youth Ministry update – by Lizzie Rea
* Sr. Clare Retreat…
-Holiness is real and can apply to real people – Fr. Stephen Quinn OCD
-Sr. Clare still touching lives
-Sr. Clare’s story gives hope – Ruairi McClafferty
-Reflecting on the Sacraments
-Family and friends reminisce
-Sr. Clare shows joy comes from following Divine dream – Bishop Donal.
*Diocesan Environmental Strategy launched – by Patricia McCormack
*Young writers share thoughts on…
– Diocesan Environmental Strategy
– St. Teresa of Ávila and Women in the Church
– Vocations
– Christus Vivit
– Fatima and Queen of the May
– Pope Francis’ message for youth
*Culmore and Steelstown creating moments of connection
*St. Benedict and Miraculous Medals and prayers leading to many conversions
*Fr. Paddy McIntyre reflects on six decades of priesthood
*Aghyaran couple reflect on 40 rewarding years as sacristans
*Bishop Donal blesses Creggan Divine Mercy statues
*Beautiful Day of Grace in Claudy Parish – by Annie Mullan
*Feast of Divine Mercy celebrated in Newtownstewart
*First Saturday Devotions in Claudy
*Honouring Our Lady
*Legion of Mary centenary reflections
*‘Blessed is She’ lead introduction to Carmelite Spirituality – by Aoife O’Neill
*May brings joy of Little Way Novena
*Termonbacca 48 Hours’ Adoration for end of Covid
*Thoughts from across the Diocese on a Synodal Church
*Golden Rose – Our Lady of Knock – by Fr. Joseph Varghese
*Columba Community celebrates 40 years of ministry
*Our faith serves us up a rich fare! – by Bishop Donal
*An Biobla Naofa – Irish Page by Fr. Oliver Crilly
*The Five Sundays of May – by Fr. Johnny Doherty, CSsR
*Children’s Catechism Club – C3 – by Veronica Harley
*Sr Clare’s Face – by Fr. Stephen Quinn OCD
*Those Tunnels by Vera McFadden
*Some May Memories by Vera McFadden
*A Letter from Sebastiano
*ACCORD recruiting for couples counselling training
*Quiz Time with Lawrence
STRESS CONTROL ONLINE
Stress is a normal reaction to the rapidly changing and uncertain times we are all living in at the moment. If you are feeling a bit more stressed than usual and would like to learn some great ways, free-of-charge, to deal with common problems like anxiety, depression, panicky feelings, poor sleep and poor wellbeing then come along to our online Stress Control class. ‘Stress Control’ is a six-session cognitive-behavioural therapy class used extensively in community-settings by the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) and across the world. You can find out more here: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
As you can’t come to a regular Stress Control class due to the current circumstances, Stress Control will come to you and live stream the sessions. Each session will be available on the YouTube channel from 9 am and will be 62 hours after the start time. The sessions will be led by Dr. Jim White, consultant clinical psychologist, who created the class and who has taught most of the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) trainers who would normally be running classes across the country.
To take part:
- Go to https://ni.stresscontrol.org/ where you can learn more about the class and get the dates. Everything you need to successfully complete the class – the booklets, self-assessment, relaxation and mindfulness – can be found in the ‘Free zone’. If you can, please read, and start working on, the booklets in the ‘Preparing for the course’ section before Session 1.
- On the homepage, click on the ‘Stress Control Online’ link to access our YouTube channel where the classes will be available to view at the scheduled times. If you click the ‘Subscribe’ button on our YouTube page (free), you will receive notifications when a new session is available. You can also follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCfzKgmXbB30baWLv6L5-g
- The session will begin exactly on time, so make sure you are there from the start. Sessions run for about 90 minutes and there will be a 10-minute break in the middle.
- Each session is one piece of the jigsaw in tackling your Stress. By coming to each class, the jigsaw will form, and the big picture can emerge, making you better able to handle your stress. This is cognitive-behavioural therapy so it is crucial you practice the skills you will learn between sessions.
Life is very hard for us just now and there are no easy solutions or magic cures, but, with hard work and determination, we can boost our resilience to cope with these difficult times and come out the other end stronger. Please pass this on to anyone who you think might benefit from the class.
